From Makarska: Hidden Gems of Hvar Island’s North Shore

Hvar’s north shore is at its best from the water, where crystal-clear coves and steep cliffs replace the island’s busier harbor towns. This five-hour speedboat trip packs four very different stops into one outing: two quiet bays, the old town of Jelsa, and protected Zečevo islet.

I like the small group size, limited to about 10 or 12 people, and the way the trip mixes swimming with time on land. Skippers such as Marko, Marco, Goran, and Dinko have earned praise for being friendly and helpful. The main drawback is the ride itself: open-water crossings can be rough, and passengers in the front may get soaked.

Key points before you book

• 35-minute speedboat ride from Makarska: The crossing gets you to Hvar’s north shore quickly, but the boat can bounce in rough water.
• Veliki Pokrivenik and Mala Stiniva: These two quiet bays offer swimming, snorkeling, and, at Mala Stiniva, cliff jumping.
• Seventy minutes in Jelsa: You have enough time for a coffee, a walk, and a look at the town’s historic monuments.
• Zečevo islet: End at a protected, unpopulated islet with turquoise water, snorkeling, and a beach bar.
• Equipment and water included: Masks, snorkels, bottled water, warm jackets, safety gear, and insurance are provided.
• A true small-group outing: The usual capacity is 10 people, though some boats carry up to 12.

Why this Hvar boat trip works so well

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning on the Adriatic. But you are paying for distance, speed, a skipper, four stops, and access to bays that are awkward or impossible to reach by road.

I like the rhythm of the trip. You are not stuck in one place for five hours, but you also are not racing from sight to sight without time to enjoy them. The two swimming bays give you roughly 35 minutes each, Jelsa gets about 70 minutes, and Zečevo adds another 40-minute water stop.

That balance makes the trip a good fit if you want more than a basic boat ride. You can swim, snorkel, jump from cliffs, walk through a Hvar town, and have a drink at a beach bar, all in half a day.

The tradeoff is comfort. This is a speedboat, not a slow sightseeing vessel. The ride from Makarska takes about 35 minutes, and the return crossing may feel lively when the sea is choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, this outing is specifically not recommended.

Leaving Makarska for Veliki Pokrivenik

You meet at the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute from the Ferris wheel. From there, the boat heads across to Hvar island.

The first stop is Veliki Pokrivenik, a bay known for its cliffs, pebble beaches, and a concealed cave. It is one of the quieter places on this route, so the appeal is simple: clear water, bare rock, and a chance to swim without the feel of a developed resort.

You get about 35 minutes here. That is enough for a swim and a short snorkeling session, though not enough for a long, slow beach day. Masks and snorkels are supplied, which saves you from bringing your own gear.

The cave is one of the more unusual features of this stop. You should think of it as a small natural feature to explore from the water, not as a full cave tour. If snorkeling is not your thing, you can stay on the boat, swim, or sit in the sun and take in the cliffs.

Bring sunscreen and a towel. The rocky surroundings offer little reason to expect broad shade, and the sun can feel strong even during a short stop.

Swimming beneath the cliffs at Mala Stiniva

Mala Stiniva has a different character. Here, stone cliffs drop almost straight into the sea, creating a narrow, dramatic bay with very clear water.

This is the stop for cliff jumping, though you should only jump if the skipper confirms that conditions are safe. The information provided for the trip does not promise a set jumping height or a formal jumping platform. Treat it as a natural swimming spot, not an organized stunt activity.

You get another 35 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. That short window works well for an active stop, but it may feel brief if you want to swim, snorkel, take photos, and jump from the rocks.

Mala Stiniva is also where the boat’s small-group format matters. With about 10 people, the bay should feel easier to enjoy than it would with a packed excursion boat. Still, everyone is sharing the same limited time, so have your towel, mask, and sunscreen ready before you arrive.

One hour in Jelsa, Hvar

After the coves, the boat heads to Jelsa. This is the only substantial stop on land, and you get around 70 minutes to walk, have a coffee, or look around the town.

Jelsa is an old Hvar settlement with historical monuments that reflect the island’s long past. The time here is not designed for a full museum program or a detailed town tour. Instead, it gives you a welcome change of pace after the open water.

I like this part of the route because it keeps the trip from becoming one long sequence of swims. You can stretch your legs, find a drink, and get a taste of Hvar’s town life before returning to the boat.

Keep your expectations realistic. Seventy minutes passes quickly, especially if you want both coffee and sightseeing. You will need to choose between a relaxed break and a brisk walk around town.

Food is not included, so bring money if you want something in Jelsa. The boat also has no restroom, making this land stop useful for a practical break as well as sightseeing.

Snorkeling at protected Zečevo islet

Opposite Jelsa, a short boat ride away, is Zečevo, an unpopulated islet protected as a significant natural area. Its appeal comes from the lack of buildings and the clear turquoise water around it.

The final water stop lasts about 40 minutes. You can snorkel, swim, or relax on the shore. There is also a beach bar, giving you the option of buying a drink before the ride back to Makarska.

Zečevo is a good finish because it is less about cliffs and more about quiet water and open space. After the sharper scenery of Mala Stiniva, the islet lets you wind down.

Do not assume the beach bar replaces a proper meal. Food is not included in the tour, and the supplied details only confirm that the bar is available. Pack a snack if you need more than water between stops.

What the boat ride is really like

The boat gets you to Hvar’s north shore in about 35 minutes, which is far faster than trying to connect these places by land. That speed is the main reason this tour offers good value: you spend most of the outing at the destinations rather than slowly traveling between them.

The same speed creates the main comfort issue. One passenger specifically noted that the boat was rough between stops and on the return ride, especially in the front. The back was described as a better place if you want more shade and less spray.

I would choose the back if staying dry matters to you. If you want the strongest sensation of speed and the clearest forward view, the front may be more fun, but you should be ready for spray and bouncing.

Warm jackets are supplied, which is useful on the return trip or in cooler weather. Safety equipment and insurance are included as well. You should still bring a change of clothes, since the boat can leave you wetter than expected.

The boat is not suited to everyone. The trip is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, or people over 70. Those limits make sense given the speedboat ride, transfers on and off the boat, and the rougher open-water sections.

The skipper can shape the day

The skipper is more than a driver on this outing. You need someone who can handle the boat, explain the stops, and judge sea conditions at exposed bays.

Skippers named in the experience include Dinko, Goran, Marco, and Marko. The strongest praise centers on friendly service, clear explanations, and practical help. One skipper even turned the boat around after a passenger’s cap blew away, while another provided drone photos for a family.

Those details give you a good idea of the tone to expect. This is not a formal lecture-heavy excursion. It is a hands-on boat day where the skipper may point out places, answer questions, manage safety, and help you get the most from each stop.

You should still stay alert around cliffs and open water. One piece of feedback raised concern about a captain using his phone rather than watching swimmers. That is a useful reminder: do not assume the skipper can replace your own judgment. Follow safety instructions, check the water before jumping, and stay aware of the boat and rocks around you.

Bad weather can change the plan. If conditions make the trip unsafe, you are offered a full refund or a new date. In one case, the first outing was canceled after reaching Hvar because of rough weather, and the replacement trip went ahead later.

What to bring for five hours on the water

The essentials are straightforward:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• Money for food, drinks, or the beach bar

Masks and snorkels are included, as is bottled water. Warm jackets are available, which means you do not need to pack a bulky outer layer unless you want one.

There is no restroom on the boat. Use facilities before departure and make good use of the stop in Jelsa.

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets are not allowed on the trip. The activity is offered in English and Croatian.

Is $91 good value?

At $91, the price is reasonable if you plan to make use of the whole route. Four stops, a professional skipper, snorkeling gear, water, safety equipment, insurance, and the speedboat transfer are all included.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need several separate outings to see quiet Hvar bays and Jelsa. A standard ferry or town visit would not give you the same access to Veliki Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, or Zečevo.

The value is weaker if you do not enjoy swimming or if rough boat rides bother you. Much of the tour is built around water time, and the open boat is part of the experience rather than just transport.

The small group also helps justify the price. A boat limited to 10 or 12 people feels more personal and gives you a better chance to ask the skipper questions. It also makes boarding, snorkeling, and moving between stops less chaotic than on a large excursion vessel.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to active visitors staying in Makarska who want to see Hvar without giving up half a day to slow transport. It works especially well for couples, friends, and families with older children or teenagers who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping.

It is also a good choice if you want a first taste of Jelsa but do not need a full-day town visit. The 70-minute stop gives you enough time to walk around and have a coffee without turning the trip into a history tour.

I would think twice if you need a calm, stable boat, a restroom on board, lots of shade, or long stretches on a beach. You should also skip it if you are prone to seasickness or have back problems.

Book this trip if you want variety and can handle a lively ride. Choose it for the mix of clear water, rugged bays, Jelsa, and Zečevo, not for a slow cruise or a long beach stay. The best practical choice is to sit toward the back, bring dry clothes, and leave room in your plan for weather changes.

FAQ

Where does the Hvar boat tour leave from?

It leaves from the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute’s walk from the Ferris wheel.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

How long is the boat ride from Makarska to Hvar?

The initial speedboat ride takes about 35 minutes. The full route also includes boat travel between the stops and the return to Makarska.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Veliki Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, Jelsa, and Zečevo islet.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. You can buy a coffee or other items in Jelsa, and Zečevo has a beach bar.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

How many people can join the tour?

The usual maximum is 10 or 12 people, depending on the boat model.

What happens if the weather is bad?

You are offered a full refund or a rescheduled trip if weather conditions prevent the outing from operating safely.

Who should not take this trip?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, or people over 70 years old.